The Queen Reportedly Doesn’t Want to Be \201cOn Tenterhooks\201d Waiting for the \201cNext Nuclear Bomb\201d to Drop from the Sussexes
It’s unclear if the couple will see Her Majesty while in the U.K. this week.


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially back in the U.K. (after flying commercial, per The Mirror), their first time there since the Platinum Jubilee in June, marking the Queen’s historic 70 years on the throne. And, speaking of Her Majesty, The Independent is reporting that she doesn’t want to be “on tenterhooks” all the time while waiting for the “next nuclear bomb” to drop, and that it remains unclear (but seemingly unlikely) that the Sussexes will see the Queen during this trip, as she remains at her summer home in Scotland, Balmoral.
Harry and Meghan’s most recent trip to the U.K. comes right on the heels of Meghan’s wide-ranging interview for The Cut, where she said, in part, that “just by existing” she and Harry were “upsetting the dynamic of the hierarchy” before stepping down as working members of the royal family in January 2020. Sunday Times’ royal editor Roya Nikkhah cites a royal source in a recent piece who says it is hard to see what Harry and Meghan are doing “would equate to the values of the Queen, who has never encouraged people to discuss deeply personal family relationships in public.” (In addition to her interview for The Cut, Meghan’s new podcast, “Archetypes,” is a weekly look into parts of her life, as well; this, combined with Harry’s forthcoming memoir and the couple’s upcoming docuseries with Netflix, puts more of a focus on the personal lives of members of the royal family than has maybe ever been seen before.)
Sunday Times also quotes a source—one who is said to know the Queen well—who says Her Majesty “doesn’t want to be on tenterhooks all the time, waiting to see what the next nuclear bomb will be—that will take its toll.” (For their part, when Harry and Meghan stepped away from their roles as working royals, they promised that “everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.”)
A royal source told Sunday Times that the couple’s “star power” requires an association with the royal family, “and the fuel on those flames is the family discord.” Another source says “ultimately, they are bashing the institution that has put them in the position they’re in. The longevity of that strategy is not sustainable.”
Tomorrow, Harry and Meghan are off to Manchester for the One Young World Summit, where, according to The Sun, she will make her first speech in the U.K. since her step back from royal life. On Tuesday, the couple will fly to Dusseldorf, Germany, to kick off Invictus Games 2023. Harry will appear at his first press conference since leaving royal life, where he will deliver remarks but will not take questions from journalists. Finally, on Thursday, they will attend the WellChild Awards in London, where Harry will deliver a speech.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Just Keeps Getting Busier With Major New Business Announcement
April will bring an exciting new venture for the duchess.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Did an Incredible Impression of Melania Trump
The late monarch was a hilariously skilled mimic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Queen Mother Loved Male Company at Events: "The Bigger the Rogue, the Better"
"She loved all the reprobates in racing," horse trainer Nicky Henderson revealed.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Jewelry Expert Reveals Who Owns the Most Expensive Royal Engagement Ring
From pink sapphires to classic diamonds, these regal rings don't disappoint.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess Lilibet
Lilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Son Prince Archie Are Basically Twins in Photos Taken Decades Apart
The Duchess of Sussex just shared a throwback photo from her time as a Girl Scout.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Duchess Sophie Shows Her "Deep Connection" to Second Mom Queen Elizabeth With $30,000 Tribute
The royal duo shared a loving bond.
By Kristin Contino Published